Venice to Athens (Piraeus)

Venice has been known as the "Queen of the Adriatic," "City of Water," "City of Masks," "City of Bridges," "The Floating City," and "City of Canals." It's widely considered to be one of Europe's most romantic cities. Founded in the 5th century, the city stretches across 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic. Explore this charming city before boarding your ship and setting off on your journey. 

Trieste is a city and seaport in northeastern Italy. It is situated towards the end of a narrow strip of Italian territory lying between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia, which lies almost immediately south and east of the city. Trieste is located at the head of the Gulf of Trieste and throughout history it has been influenced by its location at the crossroads of Latin, Slavic, and Germanic cultures. Once a very influential and powerful centre of politics, literature, music, art and culture under Austrian-Hungarian dominion, its importance fell into decline towards the end of the 20th century, and today, Trieste is often forgotten as tourists head off to the big Italian cities like Rome and Milan. It is, however, a very charming underestimated city, with a quiet and lovely almost Eastern European atmosphere, several pubs and cafes, some stunning architecture and a beautiful sea view. It was also, for a while, the residence of famous Irish writer James Joyce.
 

Slovenia’s largest town, Koper has been a well-kept secret. As you explore all of the shopping and industrial areas, you’ll notice a medieval ambiance that is well worth the experience. Visit the coastal city rich with picturesque peninsulas or get lost in Tito Square as you walk downhill towards the water.
 

Mali Losinj is a destination not worth missing. Centered at the crest of a picturesque natural harbor and contoured by Mediterranean townhouses, this charming town is a hidden gem. Taking a coastal walk around the town will reveal 19th-century sea-captain homes and a historic quarter that exemplifies serenity and beauty.
 

UNESCO-awarded Trogir is considered to be one of the oldest and most exciting villages along the Adriatic Coast. This town is located on a small island that lies between the mainland and Ciovo and sports some impressive medieval walls and a collection of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. 

Split is one of the oldest cities in the area and the second largest city behind Dubrovnik in Croatia. The Diocletian’s Palace is not only listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but is also considered to be one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments. This city is believed to be over 1,700 years old, while archaeological research relates the settling to the ancient Greek colony of Aspalathos (6th century BC) establishes the city as being several hundred years older. 

Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent destinations in the Adriatic Sea, in the region of Dalmatia. It was awarded World UNESCO Heritage status in 1979 and is considered to be among the 10 best medieval walled cities in the world. SeaDream anchors off the walled city as a port of call and tenders directly to the town gate. 

Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro. The old port of Kotor is surrounded by an impressive city wall built by the Republic of Venice and the Venetian influence remains dominant among the architectural influences. In 1979 the Bay of Kotor, City of Kotor, and the surrounding territory were listed in the UNESCO Heritage as a Cultural Site. Enjoy an optional excursion such as a walking discovery tour, or learn about the heritage and countryside of Montenegro. For the active guests, there’s incredible biking along the coast as well as a hike up to the fortress. 

Corfu is the second largest Greek island in the Ionian Sea and considered to be the greenest. The municipality includes the island Corfu and the smaller islands of Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi. Its Greek name, Kerkyra or Korkyra, is related to two powerful water symbols: Poseidon, god of the sea, and Asopos, an important Greek mainland river. In 2007, the island's old town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Itea is a small town situated on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth, 2 km west of Kirra, 8 km southwest of Delphi. The town has a nice beach along with some shops, cafes and restaurants. It allows the closest access to the incredible sight of Delphi which is within the top three archaeological attractions in Greece and in 1987 was inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. 

So narrow! So dramatic! The canal was first completed in 1893, despite previous attempts from ancient times - the first plans date to 602 BC. The Roman Emperor Nero actually started construction in 67 AD, making the first cut himself with a golden pick. The canal you transit is 6.3 kilometers (3.9 mi) in length. 

Piraeus, roughly translating to “the place over the passage”, is an important Greek port located within the Athens agglomeration, in the Attica Basin. Now a peninsula, Piraeus, originally a rocky island, was developed in the early 5th century BC. when it was initially designated as Athens’ import and transit trade port. It is the largest marine-based shipping center of Greece, one of the largest ports in Europe, and considered the second largest passenger port in the world. Inhabited since the 26th century, it wasn’t until the 6th century BC that Piraeus began catching attention. Disembark SeaDream II after breakfast to explore Athens, continue on your independent travels, or return home.